Garland Journal 12-1-22

SERVING NORTH EAST TEXAS

My Truth

By Cheryl Smith Publisher

Hard heads make…

As World AIDS Day Decem ber 1, approaches, I can’t help to think about how “hard

It just seems human nature for folks to defy directives.

Remember Eve?!

Well anyway.

It was about 40 years ago when many of us first heard about HIV/AIDS. We were ini tially told stories about the dis ease originating in Africa and only impacting gay, white males.

Buffalo mass shooter gets life in prison

By Stacy M. Brown

Well, you know human na ture tells some of us to go on about our business because we are not going nor have we ever been to Africa and we’re not gay, white, or male.

Fast forward, others are get ting infected and many are dy ing.

See BUFFALO MASS SHOOTER, page 6

Portrait Unveiling Held

The clock is winding down as U.S. Congress woman Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) prepares to close out another chapter in American History.

It was an emotional day as she awaited the unveiling of her portrait that will hang in the Science Committee Room, along with previous chairmen of the Committee on Science Space and Tech nology.

Words like “great, cou rageous, powerful, honest and insightful” were used to

describe the Gentlewoman from Texas. She was called a “treasure,” and “hard work ing”… “results-oriented, while very strategic.”

One speaker said John son didn’t have to wave her hands in the air or shout from the rafters to be effec tive.

It was even joked that her often quiet demeanor was in contrast from what you expected from Texans who could be considered to be somewhat loud and boast ful.

Thursday’s tribute was

PORTRAIT UNVEILING HELD, Page 7

Superb Women

Old Dominion University. In 2012, Strayer University named Dr. Blow its Outstanding Alumna of the Year. She is also the 2022 Chair of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).

ASHANTI BLAIZE-HOPKINS

Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins is the first Black woman ever to hold the position of Vice President of the Society of Professional Journalists in the organization’s 113 year history.

After graduating from Duncanville (TX) High School, where she was a member of the National Honor Society and graduated in the top 10 percent of her class, Ciera Johnson played college basketball at Texas A&M University, where she is a member of the 1000-point club, scoring 1,066 points and finished her career sixth in field goal percentage, while majoring in Human Resource Development. Ciera was selected with the No. 32 pick in the 2021 WNBA Draft. Ciera was named the SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year (2021) and was also rated as the No. 1 post player in the 2016 recruiting class by ESPN HoopGurlz.

DR. FELICIA BLOW, APR Dr. Felicia Blow, APR currently serves as Associate Vice President for Development at Hampton University. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and numerous other business, economic development, and community service organizations, Dr. Felicia Blow, APR earned her bachelor’s degree in mass media arts from Hampton University; her master’s in business administration from Strayer University; and her doctorate in higher education administration from

A tenured professor of journalism at Santa Monica College, Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins was an adjunct instructor at USC and Assistant Director of Student Media at Loyola Marymount University. She co-founded Get Media PR, was a media relations consultant for The Harrell Group, adjunct professor at Richland College, and anchor reports at NBC 5- Dallas, KLAS 8 News- TV and KFOX -TV. Ashanti served as President of the Greater Los Angeles Chapter of Society of Professional Journalists. She received a B.A. Degree in Sociology from Columbia University and a Masters Degree in Journalism from the University of Miami.

JACQUETTA “JACKIE” ZIEGLER, MHA

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority member Jackie Ziegler is a businesswoman, philanthropist and humanitarian.

A principal consultant with Zeigler Coaching & Consulting, Jackie Zeigler has been a vice president at QRx Medical Management, Medical City Plano and Medical City Arlington. She received a Bachelor of Psychology from Centenary College of Louisiana, a Master’s Degree in Communication Disorders from Louisiana State University and a Master of Healthcare Administration from Trinity University. She also has studied at Harvard Business School Online. In 2017, Zeigler founded MPACT for Mankind and she is devoted to making this world a better place, through her works and deeds.

OPHELIA GREENE

Author, businesswoman and speaker, Ophelia Robertson Greene is there as a source of encouragement

for those who have suffered pain. The Office Manager at Grissett Enterprises McDonalds, Ophelia Robertson Greene is a Grambling State University alum, graduating with a degree in accounting after pledging the Delta Iota Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. A charter member of the Metropolitan Dallas Alumnae Chapter, she received her Masters Degree in Biblical Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary. A native of Amite, LA, she has worked as the comptroller at Park Cities Presbyterian Church and business administrator at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship. Previously she worked as an accountant at Arco Oil and Gas Company. Ophelia established a non profit 501(c)(3) organization, Annies Gifts of Love Charitable Foundation, as a funding source to support and encourage survivors of domestic violence. Find out more at www.anniesgiftsoflove.org.

YVETTE R. WILLIAMS

First Lady Yvette R. Williams is definitely leadership in action!

A wife, mother and entrepreneur, Yvette R. Williams is the First Lady of Smith Chapel AME Church. The epitome of grace, beauty, compassion and love, she is the recipient of the 2022 Leadership in Action Award presented at the First Ladies Bruncheon, benefitting the Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support. A native of St. Louis, MO., she was a cast member of the reality show Preachers Wives on Lifetime Television. She has served as the Executive Assistant to Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, and also a 3rd Episcopal VP and 2nd Episcopal VP, in addition to chairing several ministries. She has served as chaplain of the LA Chapter of Jack and Jill Inc.

JENKINS KING

CRYSTAL

Crystal Jenkins King is beauty and strength.

Crystal King hails from Albany, GA , graduating from Westover High School and attended Valdosta State University, and graduated from Albany State University before attending UTA, where she received her MBA and

Ways to help kids pay for college without raiding retirement savings

Money Talk

By Rodney A. Brooks

A few years back I was doing an interview for a radio station. A woman called in who had proud ly put her daughter through an Ivy League college. The problem: She was in her 50s and saved nothing for retirement.

I told the woman who called the radio station that she still had options, but they were not great ones. She was probably going to have to retire later or plan on a standard of living in retirement that was less that what she was used to.

The fact is that we will do vir tually anything for our kids, even to our own financial detriment. More than half of parents in one survey were willing to go into debt to put their children through college. We should certainly find a way to help our children go through college without coming out with massive student debt. But borrowing from our retire

a graduate certificate in Asian Business Studies.

Currently the National Vice President, Creative at American Heart Association where she was also Multicultural Marketing National Director, she worked as the Sr. Manager of Philanthropy at JCPenney and also enjoyed a stint at Susan G. Komen. A breast cancer survivor, this wife and mother is the CEO and co-founder of The Love Kings. Crystal is a writer, speaker, producer, director and a “super blogger.” Additionally she was a Pink Together Survivor Ambassador for General Mills.

EMILY MICHELLE BLUE

Emily Michelle Blue lives by the principle of being well from the inside out. She is the founder and president of EMB Chrysalis Foundation and also the CEO/ Founder and Certified Life & Wellness Coach at Fx3 Coaching, LLC.

The creator and show host at Brand New Day with Emily Blue, she hails from Dallas. In addition to attending Texas A&M University- Commerce to study curriculum & instruction, Emily graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School and studied Journalism and Broadcast News at SMU, graduating in 2000. A Plus-Size Pageant winner, Ms Black Dallas 2012; she is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and a long-time member of the National Association of Black Journalists. A former educator, Emily has purpose, passion, promise, patience, persistence and a wonderful personality!

LATASHA CUMMINGS

Latasha Cummings is the founding Executive Director of We aRe Her Leadership Academy for young ladies eight and up. A successful entrepreneur, she is the owner operator of Tea N Tee Party Rentals, LLC and President

Social media condemned for inciting his hate

A White man who traveled to a Buffalo grocery store in May and killed 10 African Americans, in cluding Black Press writer Kath erine Massey, pled guilty to 25 criminal counts on Monday, Nov.

heads make soft behinds.”

Photo: MGN

CIERA JOHNSON

Ciera Johnson is a center for the Phoenix Mercury.

Congresswoman Johnson joined by Congresswoman Nikema Williams (who succeeded the Hon. John Lew is) and CBC Chair Joyce Beatty with Congresswom an-elect Jasmine Crockett. Photos: C. Smith/TMN

By Cheryl Smith

23rd Annual Destiny Award Luncheon: - A Conversation with Sterling K. Brown

St. Philip’s School and Community Center will host its 23rd Annual Parrish Family Destiny Award Luncheon featuring a conversation with Emmy and Golden Globe Award winner Sterling K. Brown, Wednesday, March 3, 11:30 pm at the Hilton Anatole. The Student Showcase is from 10:30-11:15 am.

Best known for his role in NBC’s critically acclaimed drama series THIS IS US, Brown also appeared in the blockbuster movie, Black Panther. A graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Drama from Stanford University, before receiv ing his master's degree in Fine Arts from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, he currently resides in Los Angeles with his wife and two children.

In the last two decades Brown has been fea tured in over 15 films, 40 television shows, and six theater performances.

His dedication to the craft is represented in the nominations and awards won from the Gold en Globe Awards, Screen Actors Guild Awards, American Black Film Festival, BET Awards, NAACP Image Awards, Critic’s Choice Television Awards, and the list continues.

In 2018, Brown created Indian Meadows Productions under a pact with 20th Century Fox Television. The company’s chief mandate is to champion diversity through the development and production of entertaining, educational and inclusive projects across multiple forms of media, including film, broadcast, cable and streaming.

Luncheon Co-Chairs: Kacy and Carter Tolleson

Honorary Chairs: Diana & Todd Maclin

All funds raised will directly benefit services promoting Christian education, senior services, hunger, student engagement, and athletics.

Sponsorships are now available

For more details click here https://www. stphilips1600.org/destiny/

There are ways to help

ment savings or not saving for re tirement so you can pay tuition is a bad idea.

As many financial planners will tell you, you can take out a loan for college, but you can’t take out a loan for retirement. If you have nothing saved for re tirement, your kids could very well end up taking care of you. As I say all the time, you can not and should not depend on Social Security – the average monthly check is only about $1,500.

Black students generally grad uate college with more debt than white students, and then have more trouble paying it off. This is especially true of stu dents graduating from HBCUs. According to a Federal Reserve Survey on Consumer Financ es, Black families not only pay higher rates for student loans, but they also owe more. Accord ing to an analysis of the Fed data by Student Loan Hero, 30.2% of Black families hold student loan debt, versus 20.0% of White fam ilies. Also, Black families owe a median of $30,000, compared with $23,000 among families.

But there are ways to help your kids (or grandkids) pay for college without raiding your re tirement savings or ending up with a bunch a debt. But they all involve planning. And one of the best is the 529 plan.

529 Plan

A 529 can be used to pay for college or for private school tui tion. Just about every state has a plan available.

There are two types of 529 plans: Prepaid tuition plans and college savings plans. In a prepaid plan you can pay part or all of the costs for an in-state public college. The

Investment options. Depend ing on the state plan you select, you can invest your money in a variety of mutual funds. That means you can take on as much risk (and potential growth) as you have the stomach for, or you can stay conservative and safe, but with a slower growth and lower returns.

Friends and family can do nate. You can give limited access to friends and families so they

college savings plans give you more flexibility. Much like a Roth 401(k) plan or Roth IRA, it is an investment account offers tax ad vantages to the savers. And you generally have several investment options. You may also qualify for a state tax benefit. And they can also be used in estate planning.

Tax advantages. Much like a Roth 401(k) plan or Roth IRA, it is an investment account offers tax advantages to the savers. You can deposit after-tax into the ac count, and then it grows tax free. You may also qualify for a state tax benefit.

can independently donate to the child’s education. They can make donations in lieu of Christmas or birthday gifts, or just to help out.

The SECURE ACT expanded use of 529 plans. The SECURE Act of 2019 made it possible to save for. K-12 tuition, apprentice ships, trade schools and made it possible to use the funds for stu dent loans.

You can open the account with as little as $25 dollars if you link it to a checking account and set up monthly contributions. In Texas you can enroll in the Texas Col lege Savings Plan with this link.

The Matriarchs of the Holidays Can Worry Less this Year

By Paula Penebaker and Josephine McNeal

This is the time of year for grand family gatherings. Thanksgiving is just around the corner and when the aromas of the big turkey dinner have faded, mothers and families will begin preparations for the grand Christmas celebration.

Black moms account for many roles, sometimes therapists, motivators of males in the household, natural textured hair stylists, teachers, and more. When it

Lifestyle

comes to the holidays, they also become professional chefs, family gatherers and entertainers.

No one, especially moms and grand moms, the great matriarchs of Black families far and wide, wants the gaiety of the holiday season to be overshadowed by COVID-19. We’ve learned so much over the last year and fortunately, more Black people have had vaccine(s). And while it would be even greater if more had gotten them, now is not the time for nagging. People have grown weary of hearing

about the virus. The incessant warnings, the issue of whether to wear/not wear masks, when to isolate, and even the hos pitalizations and deaths have taken their toll. The good news this season is some young people may come home for Thanks giving and Christmas breaks ready to be protectors instead of spreaders.

Historically Black Colleges and Universi ties (HBCUs) have joined forces with the We Can Do This Campaign’s Stay Well Commu nity Health Fairs on campuses like Gram bling State and Texas Southern. An event

is planned Dec. 3 at the SWAC Champion ship located at Jackson State University. As a result of the events many young people will leave for home to enjoy the holidays having had at least one vaccination. They will be protectors of their moms, grandmas, aunties and all the other Black women that hold half the sky. Dads and granddads will appreciate the protection too!

Every person in the country age 6 months or older—in every community, in every corner of America—is eligible to get vaccinated.

If you think you’d like to be vaccinat ed before the holidays and enter the New Year having protected yourself and your loved ones from serious illness, visit vac cines.gov.

Josephine McNeal is a public re lations specialist at CMRignite, and Paula Penebaker is a writer at CM Rignite, a strategic marketing agency and a partner of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services We Can Do This COVID-19 Public Educa tion Campaign.

Mona and David Munson Humanitarian Award Recipient: Ellen and John McStay

The Destiny Awards is an annual luncheon benefiting St. Philip’s School and Community Center. The luncheon features incredible schol ars, athletes, and celebrities as keynote speakers and in moderated conversations. The Humani tarian Award is granted to a local individual or couple who has demonstrated exceptional work bridging relationships between diverse commu nities.

Sterling K. Brown

My Truth

cont. from page 1

Folks are told to use condoms, along with other safeguards deemed appropriate for protecting yourself from contracting the dis ease. Using condoms, not reusing or sharing needles are just a few measures that were encouraged. Did people listen?

Clearly some didn’t as cases in creased significantly and especial ly in certain communities where there were no pre warnings!

Actually, according to UNAIDS, 1.5 million [1.1 million–2.0 mil lion] people became newly in

fected with HIV in 2021. 650,000 [510,000–860,000] people died from AIDS-related illnesses in 2021.

And if you were lucky, those not practicing protective sex measures came away with a negative HIV di agnosis but instead, a baby, or two or three.

What a relief, you said!

Fast forward to 2020.

There’s another disease: COVID 19.

This time, to prevent the spread, folks were told to do something they shouldn’t have had to be told: wash your hands with soap! They were also told that masks help with the spreading of the contagious disease.

Some immediately began wear ing masks and still do, almost three years later; while some went to the grave, unfortunately protest ing against and refusing to wear a mask or get the vaccine.

Then in 2022, yet another dis ease and other variants of COVID 19 were shared. The dreaded Monkeypox had folks spreading the same alarm that was initially spread with HIV/AIDS.

What happens with these some times false narratives is that some communities begin preparing to protect themselves while others are late to the party and miss key opportunities to get ahead of the devastation.

Which brings me to my truth.

BICA Legacy Weekend focuses on Shopping Black

By Cheryl Smith

Hairstylist and entrepreneur Freddie J. Jones is one of Texas’ brightest stars and while she calls Dallas home, wherever she is, she is reigning supreme in the Beauty Industry.

For three days in December, dubbed the BICA Legacy Week end, at Dallas’ Skyline Ranch, December 10-12, attendees will experience what people are talking about across this coun try when speaking of the best and the brightest in hair care and the award-winning Fred die J.

The impeccably dressed and always stylish Winnsboro, TX native has appeared in compe titions, including the world-re nowned Bronner Brothers Hair Show.

Even then-Mayor Tom Lep pert honored her as a trailblaz er in the field of Cosmetology because she’s a master cutter, educator, coach, author and platform artist.

According to Freddie J, the Beauty Industry and Commu nity Awards (BICA), which is just a part of the celebration of the industry, is about a spirit of community and supporting Black businesses.

“It’s a celebration,” she ex plained. “Please don’t miss this networking opportunity and Legacy Weekend, starting on Saturday with the Black Satur day Expo, and ending on Mon day with the Business Forum.

“The Event was created to get the Beauty Industry and Com munity together to network in one place,” she continued, as she shared information about Black Wall Street in Tulsa, OK. and the way an entire commu nity was wiped out but today people are focusing on Black empowerment and building Black Wall Street communi

ties across the country. “From there, we encourage everyone to intentionally shop Black businesses for 12 days after the Event and continue after that.

The 12 days were significant for the Inaugural event last year, she explained, because it was 12 days until Christmas and the event was on 12-12-21.

It is also significant that the person tapped to keynote the awards brunch has personal ties to Black Wall Street, said Freddie J.

“We are super excited to an nounce that our speaker for the BICA Chucks n Tux Brunch and Awards Gala is Chief Gunwale Amusan, founder of the Real Black Wall Street Tour. He is one of the most sought out con sultants and historians of Tul sa’s Black Wall Street. You have seen him in the documentaries, in the Courts, and in the streets, still fighting for justice, for The Greenwood Community.”

The title sponsors are MOC CA Cosmetics and Unique Vi sion Upscale Events and the event is promoting the hashtag #SHOPBLACKINTENTIONAL LY. The BICA Legacy Weekend will feature forums, vendors, networking opportunities and more.

“We have continued with the 12 days just to get it in the minds of the people, once they make it a priority for the 12 days, it is then on their minds after that.”

With partners across the

nation, BICA events have been held the entire year, namely in Oklahoma City, Tampa, FL, New Orleans, Houston, Atlanta, New York, Winston Salem, N.C., and Boston.

For Freddie J, this inaugural Legacy Weekend is a dream come true as she witnesses en trepreneurs coming together to achieve success.

Key activities include: December 11 12 til 4pm, Skyline Ranch, 1801 E Wheatland Road, the Chucks n Tux Awards Gala Brunch. BICA Legacy Weekend, celebrating Legacies in the Black community, promoting economic growth and creating Generational Wealth, by simply shopping Black intentionally!!!!

For tickets — https://fred diej-983296.square.site/.../ chucks-and.../63…

Honorees are Dallas County Constable Tracey Gulley, Eric Lockhart, James Brembry, Corey Lewis, Pennie Pitre, Sean Potts, Nikita Jackson, Mimi Hawkins, Jade the Blade, Keidrain Brew ster, Dr. Demetra Jones, Tonya Johnson, Cedric and Punkin Bai ley and Cheryl Smith.

December 12

BICA Business Forum

Keynote Speakers - Robert and Pennie Pitre

For a complete schedule, go to www.freddiej.com

There’s still time to get tickets!

Folks like Imara Canady, and the AIDS Health Foundation, are doing the work that the Dem ocratic Party could learn from.

Canady realizes the importance of boots on the ground and meet ing people where they are with the correct and relevant messag ing.

He realizes that it is time out for assumptions and you can’t take anyone for granted.

You have to get your message out and you have to make sure you have the right messengers deliver ing that message.

For decades Dr. Pamela Black well Johnson and others, like Abounding Prosperity, around the world have been educating us on

HIV/AIDS. Still we have new cases!

I’m worried about what a de mocracy looks like when the folks don’t listen and refuse to take heed to those important messages.

There’s going to be another pan demic and another and another because these societal ills seem to mutate a lot quicker than any oth er thing we have had to face.

If we want a better world, if we want to eradicate some of the ills that are threatening our very exis tence; we have to stop acting like children and begin listening and adhering to these oh so import ant messages. We also have to do our own research, rely on science and follow educated directives.

If not, then it’s our behinds!

A Thankful Thanksgiving

By Vincent L. Hall

“For I have learned to be content, whatever the circumstances may be. I know now how to live when things are difficult, and I know how to live when things are prosperous. In general, and in particular, I have learned the secret of facing either poverty or plenty. I am ready for anything through the strength of the one who lives within me”.

- Philippians 4: 11-13

Whether you realize it or not, there is much to be thankful for. Even if all you can do is read this meandering message, you should be grateful that you are not among the 14% or one in seven Ameri cans who are termed functionally illiterate. I call them mis-educat ed.

This errant essay may come as you contemplate when and if you will find gainful employment. Or

you may be working on a job far below what your resume dictates you are capable of doing. But if you’re still looking, you count it a credit that you can salvage your sustenance with unemployment benefits that your Republican friends would rather see you live without.

So, you’re not a great orator and rhetorical giant like the late Reverend Martin Luther King or the keeper of Camelot, former President John Fitzgerald Kenne dy. However, it is better to know your limitations and live within the confines than to prove to the world that you are a bumbling, stumbling, grumbling idiot, like Injustice Clarence Thomas.

You may never care or crave to be a wannabee Gubernatorial candidate like that Georgia Goo ber, Herschel Walker. But at least you respect the rights of women. At least you have enough self-re spect to be proud of who you are. You have character, class, and cre ativity, which is worth a lot more than proving that Negroes can still be rented. At least you don’t sound like you graduated from a

Herschel Walker “Speedreading Seminar.”

Your house note ain’t paid, and you’re hiding your ride from the “Repo Man. “Your money is funny, your change is strange, and your credit won’t get it. But your chil dren are now safe from predators,

Marian Wright Edelman, who set a standard.

It’s not always a pleasant priv ilege to be with family members who grates your nerves and try your patience on Thanksgiving Day and any other holidays that tradition suggests you spend with

and cerebral activity. Thank the heavens that you haven’t lost your ever-loving mind. Surely, you’ve heard that a “mind is a terrible thing to waste.” So please don’t waste it being angry and argu mentative.

None of us have all the answers. We all have good and bad days. It rains on the just and the unjust. But whenever it gets terrible, re member the New Testament sage, the Apostle Paul. Find a way to be content. You’ll be thankful you did!

You may never have heard of William Devaughn. He turns 75 this year, and you know his work without realizing who he is. Let me leave you with a sample.

peddlers, and perverts! So, keep a close eye on your babies!

Thank God you aren’t looking for a civil attorney or watching your child struggle with bullying and identity issues. You’re broke, but you’re rich in a manner of thinking. My God, that’s a blessing and a reason to pray daily for chil dren in your home and worldwide.

Thank God for child advocates like

them. But think about those un fortunate souls who spend every day lonely and alone.

Every family is dysfunctional to some degree. But the Isley Broth ers said it best; “You gotta love the one you’re with!”

Or maybe you’re mad at God, the world, the government, and yourself. But being mad requires a considerable amount of cognitive

“Though you may not drive a great big Cadillac. Gangsta white walls with TV antennas in the back. You may not have a car at all. But remember, brothers and sis ters, you can still stand tall. Just be thankful for what you’ve got!”

If Paul’s words don’t help you, I pray that DeVaughn’s will.

Be Thankful!

Elon Musk’s Twitter Takeover Has Unleashed Worst Of Human Nature

purchased Twitter, the use of the n-word spiked by 500%.

By Marc Morial

“It is possible that users as sumed that language use that could potentially cause a ban or suspension on the platform in the past was no longer a concern. Additionally, anticipation of an unmoderated platform was po tentially a source of excitement for certain Twitter users. By sharing epithets, it suggests that certain users were celebrating a reduction in perceived speech constraints on the platform. Regardless, the data conclusively shows that there is correlation between Musk’s ar rival and a broader perceived ac ceptability to posted hostile con tent on Twitter.”

-- Montclair State University Center for Strategic Communica tion study, “From the Tweets to Hate Speech: Increases in Twitter Racist Content After Elon Musk’s Acquisition”

In the 12 hours after Elon Musk

ADL’s Center on Extremism identified a coordinated cam paign to spread antisemetic con tent, launched by users of the largely unmoderated 4chan mes sage board, that resulted in more than 1,200 antisemetic tweets and retweets in the 24 hours after Musk’s takeover.

Musk himself posted a con spiracy theory about the at tempted murder of Paul Pelosi; the tweet was shared and liked tens of thousands of times before he deleted it.

This painful and shocking in crease in hate prompted me, along with NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson, and Na tional Action Network President and Founder Rev. Al Sharpton, to request a meeting with Musk to address our concerns and to understand his plan to protect our communities from abuse by those who seek not simply to ex press controversial views, but to harm us and undermine democ racy.

In our letter to Musk, we wrote, “In flippantly declaring that, ‘the

bird is freed,’ you might have unwittingly freed people to un leash the worst of human nature with communities of color and religious minorities bearing the greatest burden.”

We share Musk’s professed belief in the importance of free speech, but the fact remains that online hate speech, misinforma tion, and disinformation, posted by users intent on sowing social and political chaos, have grave consequences for democracy, civil rights, and public safety.

The white supremacist who murdered 10 people in a Buffa lo supermarket in May was in spired by conspiracy theories posted on 4chan. Content on white supremacist websites fu eled the massacre of nine Black worshippers at Charleston’s Mother Emanuel Church in 2015.

The accused attacker of Paul Pe losi, the subject of Musk’s own false tweet, had posted “a mix of bloody images and hateful screeds aimed at a variety of tar geted groups including Jewish, Black and trans people, as well as Democrats,” according to The Washington Post.

“Whether you realize it or not, as the new leader of Twitter, you have new responsibilities, and one of those responsibilities is to ensure your platform is not used to harm people and the nation as a whole,” we wrote to Musk. “An other responsibility is to ensure your own words and behavior do not cause harm, especially to the communities of color and other underserved communities who have been long time users and who have made the com pany what it is today. You have not shown a willingness to meet these responsibilities thus far, but we have hope and are willing to work with you do so in the fu ture.”

Twitter needs strong content moderation standards to foster a safe and healthy online environ ment. Yet Musk plans to fire fully half of the platform’s workforce, according to Bloomberg

“We strongly urge you to main tain content moderation teams that are tasked with creating and implementing policies that pro vide a baseline for prohibiting content designed to threaten and harass people of color and reli

gious minorities and suppress votes,” we wrote. “Indeed, we en courage you to strengthen these policies as there has been a rise in dangerous rhetoric and violent acts that threaten our communi ties’ ability to vote and otherwise fully participate in our society without fear for our safety.”

Lapses in content moderation are especially concerning with the midterm elections just days away. National security officials fear misinformation campaigns could ignite violence at the polls on Election Day. Disinformation campaigns waged on Twitter and Facebook in 2016 and 2020 sought to depress Black voter turnout and sow social and polit ical discord.

We wrote, “We implore you to show immediate leadership by directly addressing the spike in hate speech that occurred over the weekend and to discourage vigorously and clearly those who would be influenced by your voice from using such speech in the future and from engaging in violence against anyone.”

Tell the Supreme Court: We Still Need Affirmative Action

affirmative action cases argued at the Supreme Court just a few days ago. Opponents of affirmative ac tion have been trying to destroy it for years. And now it looks like they just might get their chance.

By Ben Jealous

One of the great joys of my life is teaching.

I’m fortunate to teach classes on social justice at the University of Pennsylvania, one of the most respected schools in the country. Penn has a longstanding commit ment to affirmative action, and I have seen first-hand how diversity in the classroom benefits all my students.

There’s just no question that di versity is a core piece of a vibrant academic community and a criti cal part of the learning experience – for all of us. Bringing together students with different lived ex periences forces students to think critically about their assumptions, which is an essential goal of a uni versity education.

That’s why I, like so many of us, am deeply concerned about two

Publisher: Cheryl Smith

Address: 320 South R.L. Thornton Freeway Suite 100 Dallas, TX 75203

Phone:214-941-0110

Website: www.garlandjournal.com

Editor: editor@myimessenger.com

Two universities, Harvard and the University of North Carolina (UNC), are defending their admis sions programs against opponents who want them declared uncon stitutional. (The university where I teach, Penn, and the organization I lead, People for the American Way, have both joined briefs supporting the universities’ positions.) Con sidering race as one of many fac tors in admissions has been upheld by the Supreme Court for decades. The Court has said repeatedly that diversity in higher education is a “compelling interest.”

But today’s Supreme Court is dif ferent. It’s dominated by far-right justices who have made it clear they don’t share this view. Chief Justice John Roberts’s famous quote, “The way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discriminat ing on the basis of race,” sums it up:

conservatives believe affirmative action is at best unnecessary and at worst just another type of discrimi nation. Some conservatives would like to retire affirmative action be cause they claim it’s accomplished everything it set out to do. But it hasn’t. Not even close.

In Texas and Michigan, applica tions and enrollments of Black and Latino students plunged after state politicians banned the consider ation of race in admission to their public universities.

That’s a huge red flag.

Nationally, there’s a big gap be tween the percentage of white and Black students who earn a bache lor’s degree. And that perpetuates all kinds of harm and inequities in income, health, family wealth, and more. We still have a long way to go in building a fair society in which all our children can thrive.

And here’s an important point that often gets lost. All students— no matter their race or color or creed—benefit from affirmative action.

Having diverse classmates pro

GarlandJournal

Established 2002 An I Messenger Media Publication

motes a stimulating exchange of ideas and viewpoints. It prepares all students for living and working in our increasingly diverse soci ety. The Supreme Court as a whole used to understand that. Today, I worry that only a minority of the justices do.

One of those justices is Ketan ji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman on the Court and a person of profound insight and wisdom. Her questions in oral arguments got to the heart of the matter. Imag ine two qualified students applying to UNC, Justice Jackson suggested: a white North Carolinian student whose family members had at tended the school for generations, and a Black North Carolinian whose family had historically been shut out.

The white applicant might make the case that attending UNC is deeply meaningful to her because it is a family tradition. The Black applicant might make the case that it is deeply meaningful because her family was so long denied.

Jackson’s question made it clear

what would happen if the Court adopts the Far Right’s position: the white student’s appeal to family his tory would be allowed to help their chance of acceptance, while the Black student’s would not. It would further institutionalize discrimi nation and the harm it has caused generations of Black Americans.

I am so grateful for Justice Jack son’s voice on the Court. I also know that the six right-wing jus tices expressed skepticism of affir mative action at oral arguments.

Many reporters are already writ ing its obituary.

I hope for the sake of our edu cation system and our next gener ation, that they will be wrong. The “compelling interest” that led the Court to uphold affirmative action in the past still exists – in fact, it may be stronger than ever.

The Black Press believes that America can best lead the world away from racial and national antagonisms when it accords to every person, regardless of race, color or creed, full human and legal rights. Hating no person, fearing no person, the Black Press strives to help every person in the firm belief that all are hurt as long as anyone is held back.

GARLAND JOURNAL Is published by I Messenger Media LLC. 320 S. R.L. Thornton Freeway, Suite 100, Dallas, TX 75203. GARLAND JOURNAL reserves all rights and privileges to accept or refuse any submissions to be printed in any issue of the publication. Views and opinions expressed by writers are not necessarily those of the publisher or our advertisers.

GARLAND JOURNAL will, once notified, correct any issue in the next issue. GARLAND JOURNAL is not responsible for any unsolicited material. Any use or reproduction in part or whole is forbidden without the express written consent of the publisher. Annual mail subscriptions are $60 for 12 months.

CREDO OF THE BLACK PRESS

Vincent L. Hall is an author, activist, and award-winning columnist.

Marc Morial is president/CEO of the National Urban League.

Ben Jealous serves as president of People For the American Way and Professor of the Practice at the University of Pennsylvania. A New York Times best-selling author, his next book “Never Forget Our People Were Always Free” will be published by Harper Collins in January 2023.

Gangsta whitewalls with TV antennas in the back.

Fateful Frenemies

quella was found unconscious in the living room.

Faithful Utterances

By Dr. Froswa Booker-Drew

I saw the video. It was difficult to watch Shanquella Robinson, 25, of Charlotte, beaten severe ly-- allegedly by one of her travel companions. Robinson traveled on Oct. 28 with six friends to the resort city of San José del Cabo. Initially, her mother was called by the friends and told that her death was the result of alcohol poisoning.

The death certificate instead revealed that the cause was a “severe spinal cord injury and at las luxation,” an instability of the first two neck vertebrae, WSOC reported. Alcohol was not men tioned in the report on the death certificate, and lists the time be tween injury and death as about 15 minutes and notes that Shan

The video circulating shows Shanquella was being hit repeat edly in her head. She was not fighting back. Someone can be heard on the video asking if she “could at least fight back.” The mother said she recognizes the people on the video as the friends Shanquella traveled with to Mexi co and believes the video was shot during the trip. It was disturbing to see others in the video do abso lutely nothing to break it up.

Although the investigation continues on this case, my heart aches for the family. As a moth er of an adult daughter, you hope that the people who are around your child, who profess to be their friends are actually people who will look out for your child. It’s sad that you must caution your children about the people that they are around and that the world isn’t safe. Despite no mat ter how much you try to protect your child from stranger danger, it’s often those who are the clos

est that can cause harm. I don’t know exactly what hap pened in this young woman’s assault and death but I do know that we live in a world with those who camouflage who they are. The lyrics of the famous O’jays

good, treacherous, reckless, swol len with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God…” (2 Timothy 3:2-4)

As much as we’d like to believe in the good in everyone, the real ity is that everyone doesn’t have the same moral code, ethics or integrity. Shanquella must have trusted these individuals to trav el out of the country with them. They obviously gained her trust only to betray it.

as Jesus said this, Judas, one of the twelve disciples, arrived with a crowd of men armed with swords and clubs. They had been sent by the leading priests and elders of the people.” (Matthew 17:22 NLT)

song states—“They smilin’ in your face, All the time, they want to take your place, The back stab bers.” The Bible affirms this: “For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abu sive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, un appeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving

We’ve all experienced believing that someone cared for us, had our best interests at heart only to discover otherwise. Betrayal isn’t new. Joseph was betrayed by his brothers, Potiphar’s wife, and the Pharaoh’s chief cup holder (Gen esis 37:23-24, 28, Genesis 39:1618, Genesis 40:23 NLT) King Saul rewarded David for taking Goliath down. Even after bringing David into Saul’s family and kingdom, Saul was determined to murder David. (1 Samuel 18-and 1 Sam uel 19) Even Jesus experienced betrayal. Jesus was betrayed by someone close to him. “And even

Betrayal is devastating. It is not only a violation of trust but the consequences can impact our mental, emotional, spiritual and in some instances, physi cal well-being. We don’t always know who will betray us. The Bible reminds us to be careful: “Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves.” (Matthew 10:16)

I know that justice will be served for Shanquella Robinson. “Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant.” (Galatians 6:7)

Who’s next on the affirmative action process?

advanced education was singular ly available to whites, while fewer opportunities existed for nonwhites.

By Dr. E. Faye Williams

“It is the policy of the Govern ment of the United States to…pro mote the full realization of equal employment opportunity through a continuing affirmative program in each executive department and agency.”

– President Richard M. Nixon, Executive Order 11478 (Aug. 8, 1969)

Resulting from the concerted efforts of civil rights activists, this executive order was issued to rem edy the systemic, pervasive, and traditional discrimination - Insti tutional Discrimination – that had governed and shaped federal gov ernment employment practices for decades.

From that time forward, federal employment practices were to be conducted without regard to race, color, religion, sex, or national or igin.

With the exception of HBCUs,

Soon after the executive order and assessing the similarities of past discriminatory policies and practices within their ranks, col leges and universities began to acknowledge the need to adjust admission policies to reverse and eliminate practices of institutional discrimination.

‘Affirmative admissions’

At the urging of civil rights activ ists, increased numbers of Black students were admitted. These increased numbers of admissions were logically justified as remedi al but were also recognized as an enhancement to the academic en vironment.

The resulting intellectual, cul tural, and social diversity realized by these “affirmative” admissions created a learning and demo graphic environment that more closely reflected the general soci ety and provided improved oppor tunities for positive interpersonal interactions.

Although not immediate or without challenges, these bilat eral goals of eliminating discrim

– President Richard M. Nixon, Executive Order 11478 (Aug. 8, 1969)

ination practices and expanding intellectual diversity were set in motion.

Since being placed into practice, these “affirmative” admission pol icies have faced legal challenges alleging “reverse discrimination.”

Resulting court decisions in high profile cases involving highly ranked institutions have directed modifications to admission poli cies, but current challenges face a more reactionary social mindset and a more dogmatic Supreme Court.

At this writing, the Supreme Court of the United States is entertaining challenges to the admission policies of Harvard University and the University of

North Carolina.

In this immediate case, Asian American students allege that “race-conscious” admissions have prevented the admission of more qualified Asian American appli cants.

Disingenuous beliefs

According to the Washington Post, “Conservative Supreme Court justices on Monday seemed open to ending decades of prece dent allowing race-conscious ad mission decisions at colleges and universities, expressing doubt that the institutions would ever con cede an “endpoint” in their use of race to build diverse student bod ies.”

The Post adds, Plaintiff’s “attor ney, Cameron Norris, representing Students for Fair Admissions, em phasized what he called the harms of racial classifications.

“They stigmatize their intended beneficiaries. They increase racial consciousness, which delays the day in which we can move to true racial neutrality. And they cause resentment by treating people dif ferently based on something they can’t change,” he said.

I find Norris’ argument disin genuous, at best. While arguing against “racial classifications,” he argues for a group that accepts their own “racial classification” as the basis of alleged discrimination. One can only ask if “racial neutrality” can ever be achieved or, more practically, if we must be about the work of correcting emerging or remaining vestiges of discrimination where we find them.

I’m left to wonder if, for this it eration of the Supreme Court, 50 years is an arbitrary expiration date for SCOTUS decisions that correct long-standing social ills.

Dr. E. Faye Williams is President of the National Congress of Black Women and host of “Wake Up and Stay Woke” on WPFW-89.3

Election Reflections — Ignore the Pollsters, Challenge the Democrats

By Dr. Julianne Malveaux

To let the pollsters tell it, Dem ocrats were going to get a “drub bing” or a “shellacking” just like the one President Barack Obama experienced in 2010 when Dems lost 63 congressional seats and 6 Senate seats. In contrast, Dem ocrats seem to have gained one Senate seat, and the Georgia runoff may push the number up to two. There was no “red wave,” hardly even a red puddle. Despite President Biden’s tepid ratings and economic uncertainty, Dem ocrats did not do badly. As of this writing, the partisan makeup of the House of Representatives is up in the air, but even if Republi cans take the House, they’ll hold onto it only narrowly. Republi can control of Congress will, of course, be a blow to the African American community as key committees are chaired by mem bers of the Congressional Black Caucus, including Rep. Bobby Scott (Va.) in Education and La bor, Rep. Maxine Waters (Calif.) in Financial Services, Rep. Bennie Thompson (Miss.) in Homeland Security, and others.

The 2022 midterm elections

remind us that pollsters spew nonsense and raise questions about the very nature of polling. It makes me wonder if the cor porate media collaborates with pollsters to maintain the status quo. The pollsters take to the air

pollsters talking to anyway? How many people? What demograph ic? What methodology? Are they doing internet polls? Are they properly sampling Black people? Are they stuck in the dark ages of landline phones (many people

its base, yet it is expert in ignor ing Black people when distribut ing resources. Organizations like the National Coalition for Black Civic Participation, Black Voters Matter, and other independent organizations get less support for the Democratic Party than they should. Further, Democrat ic indifference or belated focus on Black candidates has affected the outcome of the midterm elec tions.

North Carolina’s senatorial candidate Cheri Beasley came within 3% of winning the election. Beasley got some Democratic Party support, but it was too late.

of these consultants work for the Democratic Party, not the candi date directly? I prefer to give my money directly to candidate web sites and to support independent voter participation activities, es pecially those that target Black voters.

waves predicting, among other things, a red wave. Does it en courage people to stay home or to get out to challenge the polls? When the drip, drip, drip of nega tive polls is reported as “breaking news” almost every hour on the hour, what impact does it have on the electorate? Who are these

don’t have landlines)? Polling methodology is replete with pos sible errors, and the voters high lighted those. No red wave, just a red puddle. The whole polling en terprise needs to be reexamined. The Democratic Party also needs to be examined. It relies on African American people as

In Wisconsin, Mandela Barnes came within 30,000 of winning, but a low turnout in heavily Black Milwaukee condemned Barnes to a loss. Could the Democratic Par ty have funded a ground game in Milwaukee? Did Mandela Barnes pay enough attention to his natu ral base? It’s easy to do the Mon day-morning quarterbacking about the midterm election. The process of making the Democrat ic Party more responsive to Black people is more challenging.

Many of us got tens of emails daily from Democrats asking for funds. It was always urgent, ac companied by the promise of a 2 or 3 or 4 times match. How much money goes to candidates, and how much to pollsters and cam paign consultants? How many

Neither Democrats nor Repub licans have a majority among voters. Independent voters are unwilling to declare party alle giance, and often willing to split tickets, responding to their as sessments of individual candi dates, not party affiliation. This increasing independence, espe cially among young voters, poses a challenge to both parties. Both Democrats and Republicans are experiencing intraparty conflict, which, when combined with ger rymandering, has caused some Democratic losses in usually Democratic New York state. Ideo logical puritans say they won’t vote for flawed candidates unless they get their way. They need to consider what happens when they fail to vote at all.

The 2022 midterm elections will be discussed until 2024. However, I hope the 2022 elec tions taught lessons. The Demo cratic Party must invest in its Afri can American base. And all of us

FM

Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew is an au thor of three books and the host of The Tapestry podcast. To listen to ep isodes of the podcast, visit https:// www.spreaker.com/show/the-tap estry_1 and to learn more about her work, go to https://drfroswa.com/

The Last Word

must ignore the pollsters.

Shanquella Robinson Photo: Instagram

Wes Moore made history, becoming the first-ever African American governor in Maryland.

Malveaux is an economist, author and dean of the College of Ethnic Studies at California State University, Los Angeles.

“It is the policy of the Government of the United States to…promote the full realization of equal employment opportunity through a continuing affirmative program in each executive department and agency.”

Buffalo Mass Shooter

28,

life in prison.

rest of

A grand jury previously in dicted Payton Gendron, 19, on domestic terrorism, first-degree murder, attempted murder, hate crimes, and weapons possession. A single do mestic terrorism mo tivated by hate charge carries an automatic life sentence upon convic tion.

Prosecutors said Gen dron acknowledged that he committed the hei nous crimes “for the fu ture of the White race.” A lawyer for the victims indicated relief that the state’s case didn’t go to trial. “It avoids a lengthy trial that they believe would be very difficult for the families,” said Terrence Connors, an attorney representing the victims’ fam ilies. “I think it was pretty clear they had no real defense.”

A self-described White suprem acist, Gendron previously pled not guilty to federal hate crime charges. Federal law allows for the death penalty in those cases. He still faces 27 federal counts, including 10 counts of hate crimes resulting in deaths, three counts of hate crimes involving an attempt to kill, and 13 counts of using, carrying or discharging a firearm related to a hate crime.

Prosecutors said Gendron possessed a 180-page manifesto that revealed troubling percep tions the self-avowed White su premacist had.

He complained of the dwin

we must acknowledge that ex tremist rhetoric espoused by some media and political lead ers on the right promoting the ories that vilify or dehumanize segments of our society, like ‘the great replacement theory,’ is a factor too,” wrote U.S. House Homeland Security Chairman

places as distant as Christchurch, El Paso, Oslo and Charleston,” Mitchell asserted earlier.

“Those who promote racism, White supremacy, antisemitism, Islamophobia, and other forms of bigotry must be held account able for the violence they in spire.”

Mitchell added that CAIR has often spoken against those who pro mote the “great replace ment” and other racist conspiracy theories.

Health & Fitness

VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! 50 Generic Pills SPECIAL $99.00. 100% guaranteed. 24/7 CALL NOW! 888-445-5928 Hablamos Español

Dental insurance - Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Covers 350 procedures. Real insurance - not a discount plan. Get your free dental info kit! 1-855-526-1060 www. dental50plus.com/ads #6258

dling size of the White popula tion and included his fears of ethnic and cultural replacement of White people.

Gendron described himself as a fascist, a White supremacist, and an anti-Semite.

Unlike the many unarmed Black people killed during en counters with law enforce ment, the White racist who livestreamed his shooting spree is alive to plead his case in court.

“While past violent White su premacist attacks seem to have factored into this heinous act,

Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) National Dep uty Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell added that the orga nization condemns the White supremacist terrorist attack tar geting Black men and women in Buffalo and the racist rhetoric that has sparked such violence.

“The constant repetition of White supremacist conspiracy theories on social media and even mainstream media outlets has led to horrific violence in

Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown told National Newspaper Publishers Association’s live daily morning show, Let It Be Known, that Gendron surveilled both the com munity and the grocery store as part of the at tack’s planning. Brown said the teen surveilled the area for several days and targeted a busy place in an area predominantly populated by Black people.

Gendron’s manifesto noted, “Zip code 14208 in Buffalo has the highest Black percentage that is close enough to where I live.”

According to the U.S. Census, the zip code is 78% Black and among the top 2% of zip codes nation wide with the highest percentage of the Black population. In addi tion, it has the highest rate of the Black population of any zip code in upstate New York.

“Well, this manifesto tells ev erything to us,” said New York Gov. Kathy Hochul after the shootings. “And that is what’s so bone-chilling about it is that there is the ability for people to write and subscribe to such philosophies filled with hate.

“The White supremacist acts of terrorism are being fomented on social media… What this one individual did has been shared with the rest of the world as well as the live-streaming of this military-style execution that oc curred in the streets of my home town,” said Hochul.

Massey, one of Gendron’s victims, spent her life trying to clean up and help her commu nity. While she retired from Blue Cross Blue Shield, Massey, 72, re mained active in her community as the Cherry Street block club president and as a columnist for the Buffalo Challenger, an NNPA member newspaper.

“She was the greatest person you will ever meet in your life,” her nephew, Demetrius Massey, told reporters.

Attention oxygen therapy users! Inogen One G4 is capable of full 24/7 oxygen delivery. Only 2.8 pounds. Free info kit. Call 877-929-9587

Miscellaneous

Prepare for power outages today with a GENERAC home standby generator $0 Down + Low Monthly Pmt Request a free Quote. Call before the next power outage: 1-855-948-6176

Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule free LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-833-610-1936

BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 855-761-1725

Donate Your Car to Veterans Today! Help and Support our Veterans. Fast - FREE pick up. 100% tax deductible. Call 1-800-245-0398

HughesNet - Finally, super-fast internet no matter where you live. 25 Mbps just $59.99/mo! Unlimited Data is Here. Stream Video. Bundle TV & Internet. Free Installation. Call 866-4990141

Become a published author. We want to read your book! Dorrance Publishing trusted since 1920. Consultation, production, promotion & distribution. Call for free author’s guide 1-877729-4998 or visit dorranceinfo.com/ads

Put on your TV Ears & hear TV w/unmatched clarity. TV Ears Original - originally $129.95now w/this special offer only $59.95 w/code MCB59! 1-888-805-0840

DISH TV $64.99 For 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. Promo Expires 1/21/23. 1-866-479-1516

The Generac PWRcell solar plus battery storage system. Save money, reduce reliance on grid, prepare for outages & power your home. Full installation services. $0 down financing option. Request free no obligation quote. 1-877-5390299

Vivint. Smart security. Professionally installed. One connected system for total peace of mind. Free professional installation! Four free months of monitoring! Call to customize your system. 1-833-841-0737

Safe Step. North America’s #1 Walk-in tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-theline installation and service. Now featuring our free shower package & $1600 off - limited time! Financing available. 1-855-417-1306

Protect your home from pests safely and affordably. Pest, rodent, termite and mosquito control. Call for a quote or inspection today 844394-9278

Switch and save up to $250/yr on talk, text & data. No contract or hidden fees. Unlimited talk & text with flexible data plans. Premium nationwide coverage. 100% U.S. based customer service. Limited time get $50 off any new account. Use code GIFT50. 1-855-903-3048

Attention Homeowners! If you have water damage and need cleanup services, call us! We’ll get in & work with your insurance agency to get your home repaired and your life back to normal ASAP! 855-767-7031

MobileHelp, America’s premier mobile medical alert system. Whether you’re home or away. For safety & peace of mind. No long term contracts! Free brochure! 1-888-489-3936

FREE $10 Cash App Everyone! Yes It’s

Reader Advisory: The National Trade Association we be long to has purchased the above classifieds. Determining the value of their service or product is advised by this publication. In order to avoid misunderstandings, some advertisers do not offer employment but rather supply the readers with manuals, directories and other materials designed to help their clients establish mail order selling and other businesses at home. Under NO circumstance should you send any money in advance or give the client your checking, license ID, or credit card numbers. Also beware of ads that claim to guarantee loans regardless of credit and note that if a credit repair company does busi ness only over the phone it is illegal to request any money before delivering its service. All funds are based in US dollars. Toll free numbers may or may not reach Canada.

Bennie Thompson in an earlier statement.

Photo: NNPA

Portrait Unveiling Held

one of many occurring since Waco’s proud “shining star” announced that she would not be seeking another term in the United States Congress.

Her office, which is right down the hall from the Committee Room, had a revolv ing door as people came from across the country to witness the unveiling and express their thoughts and feelings about the senior stateswoman.

Bearing gifts and memories; dignitaries, family, friends, sorority sisters and col leagues shared their “EBJ”stories.

Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson; Workforce Dallas Czar Lynn McBee, who is President/ CEO of Young Women’s Prep Network; Marketing exec Shawn Williams of Allyn Media; businessman Ross Perot Jr.; Atty. DeMetris Sampson and NAACP State Pres ident Gary Bledsoe joined elected officials past and present in the filled-to-capacity Science Committee Room as they also wel comed her successor, Texas State Rep. Jas mine Crockett.

the congresswoman, said, “You have always done the right thing by all of us.”

Sharing just how close the two Johnson families were, she said her father was fond of Rep. Johnson, who first took office in 1973, making her the first woman in Dallas County elected to public office.

There were several high points during the program, including words from Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, who earlier in the day announced that she would not be continuing in her role, although she would remain a member of Congress, Calling the congresswoman a great pioneer, who was also dazzling and patriotic; Pelosi lauded her for her works and devotion to the sci ences.

Hakeem S. Jeffries (D-NY) came to the mi crophone. Earlier in the day, she talked about how proud she was of him and how she would love to see him assume leadership.

“It will cap my career, if he ascends to leadership, “ she said. “He is definitely ready and he will make us all proud.”

As he spoke, Jeffries called her a “living

legend” and told of how she served as a mentor to him.

During her remarks at the unveiling, Cong, Johnson called on everyone there who had a vote to use that vote in support of Jeffries to succeed Speaker Pelosi.

Her next remarks were received with a ro bust round of applause, as she praised past leadership but proclaimed, “It is time for some color!”

In addition to the portrait, which was the work of artist Ying-He Liu, the program for Stem women has been named in Congress woman Johnson’s honor.

Clearly leaving her mark in the Capitol, back in Texas and internationally, Johnson could have served another term. Instead, she told Texas Metro News, “I know I am leaving at the right time.”

However, she said, there’s still work to do, especially within the Democratic Party.

So, if anyone thinks she’s returning to Dal las to sit and twiddle her thumbs, perish the thought. No one who truly serves anywhere for 50 years, disappears into oblivion, espe cially when “democracy” is in jeopardy!

The Congresswoman’s decision to retire stunned many who had become familiar with her over the years. January 2023 marks 30 years since she first took her seat, the first registered nurse to ever serve in Congress. For the 20 years prior she served in the Tex as House and Senate, where she also was the first registered nurse to serve.

She’s received numerous calls including one from former president Bill Clinton and during the program letters were read from President Joe Biden andVice President Ka mala Harris.

Luci Baines Johnson talked about the relationship her family had with the con gresswoman; most notably with her father, President Lyndon B. Johnson.

In a private moment in the Congress woman’s office, the former “First Daughter,” who was also a nurse, in passing on gifts to

Speaking of science when the popular movie, Hidden Figures, aired, the real sto ry of pioneering women in the sciences and working at NASA introduced many to unknown or unshared history of the role of Black women in science and technology.

It was a special treat for the congress woman to have one of the remaining living subjects of the movie, mathematician and NASA aeronautical engineer, Dr. Christine Darden, in attendance.

There was also her dear friend, Ambassa dor Swanee Hunt, who although she had a speaking engagement at Howard Universi ty, made it in time for the unveiling.

Undoubtedly having her “beloved mem bers” of the Congressional Black Caucus in attendance, was significant, as Congress woman Johnson once chaired the group of mostly African American members of the U.S. Congress and Senate.

She beamed with pride as Congressman

The Viola’s House presents “Pathways to Redemption” Inaugural Black Tie Gala featuring Adrienne Ban field-Norris “Gammy” at 7:00pm in the Statler Hotel Grand Ballroom, Dallas. ***

A Holiday extravaganza hosted by Glamore, 4099 McEwen Rd. Suite 660, Farmers Branch and featuring celebrity fashion stylist Yemi Solomon, aned Mrs. Dallas International Yvonne Yngson Gochangco, 12-5pm 5

Informational sponsor happy hour and mixer for the Dr. Emmett J. Conrad Leadership Program. This information session will pro vide you with an opportunity to learn about our internship program, ask questions, meet past sponsors, and speak with alumni regard ing their experience with the program.

5 - 7 p.m.

UNT Dallas Student Center, Reading Room, 7350 University Hills Blvd. Dallas, TX 6

Society of Professional Journalists COOL YULE PARTY! 6:30 pm

Leveraging Human Capital Leadership Conference at UNT Dallas, 9a-4p. Reg istration for the conference is $125. Par ticipants will enhance their leadership capabilities through networking and building relationships, receiving tools and creative solutions to be successful, and interacting with passionate and in fluential change makers who are leaving a legacy in the Best Southwest. Four ses sions including the keynote, “Innovation and Leadership in the Workplace” will be highlighted.

Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce Awards Event

The African Business Lounge Interna tional Trade & Expo at the Plano Event Center, 2000 East Spring Creek Parkway, featuring workshops, vendors, keynote speakers, networking and more.

100 Black Men of Greater Dallas/Fort Worth, Inc. 25 Silver Anniversary Gala, 13340 Dallas Pkwy

Joe T Garcia’s La Puertita 2141 N. Commerce Street Fort Worth, Texas 76164

Join us for:

Congresswoman Johnson shares a moment with portrait artist Ying-He Liu.

Family Members join Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson for Unveiling of Portrait.

Photo: C. Smith/TMN

and CEO of Peaches Party Package. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Management from Mansfield Business College and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Health Services Administration from Spelman College. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Latasha is an award-winning, best-selling author. She is also a member of the National Council of Negro Women (Minnie H Goodlow Page Section - served as 1st vice president), Top Ladies Of Distinction and Order of Eastern Star.

DENISE STRICKLAND, ED.D. Dr. Denise Strickland is the President and Executive Director of Design Connect Create.

Dr. Denise Strickland has enjoyed stints at Arkansas Department of Education, Tulsa Public Schools, Garland Independent School District, Pearson Inc., Tom Joyner Online Education, The Potter’s House, LeTourneau University, Girl Scouts of NE Texas, Argosy University and Arlington ISD. She received her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Education (Early Childhood/ ElementaryEducation) and Elementary Administration/Elementary Principalship at Arkansas State University, respectively; and a Doctorate of Education from Oral Roberts University.

CANDACE GRAY

A member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Candace Gray is a true servant leader. The senior director at Buckner Children and Family Services, Candace Gray is focused and committed.

In addition to owning Gray Consulting Group, she was a senior program manager for the Foundation for Community Empowerment, a financial analyst for Pepsico Food Systems and an auditor for Coopers and Lybrand. She received her BS Degree in Accounting from the University of North Texas and her MA Degree in Biblical Counseling from Dallas

Theological Seminary. A member of the

Leadership Dallas Class of 1999, Candace is interested in civil rights and social action, education, humanitarian efforts, poverty alleviation and social services.

LAVEETA VAUGHN

LaVeeta Vaughn has the natural ability to identify emotional stressors while comfortably giving families the desire to improve their current situations.

LaVeeta Hamilton is the executive director of Family Promise of Collin County.

Previously she served as program director of the Assistance Center of Collin County. In partnership with churches and other organizations, LaVeeta organized the back to school and Christmas programs, providing free school supplies along with Thanksgiving meals and Christmas gifts for over 500 children in Collin County. She also worked at Rebuilding Together and LifePath Systems.

Laveeta received an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Metropolitan Community College. She then received a Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Sciences and a Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling from Bellevue University. LaVeeta has a heart for the work she does and she is totally committed.

DR. ETHEL BAYLEY SCRUGGS

An independent consultant, Dr. Ethel Bayley Scruggs attended Virginia Union University where she received her BS in Elementary Education and Teaching and then a MS in Education from Brooklyn College. She taught for New York City Public Schools and Miami Dade County Public Schools. She also enjoyed a stint at Paul Quinn College and Texas College. A servant-leader, Dr. Scruggs is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and a leader in the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc., and the AME Church.

FIRST LADY MELONYE BATSON

First Lady Melonye Batson is known for her “dynamic, inspiring and anointed ministry in music and teaching.”

An electrifying worship leader, mother, inspirational speaker, advocate for youth and entrepreneur, she is the First Lady of Red Oak Faith Fellowship Church, where she is the Ministry Leader for Music, Vision Women, Intercessory Prayer.

First Lady Batson has mentored many women, students, and married couples with her music ministry and spiritual development training. Those who know her are familiar with the phrase she coined, “It’s not authentic worship, if there is still room for doubt and fear of judgement.”

DONA GASSAWAY MITCHELL

Dona Gassaway Mitchell is the CEO and Founder of the DGM Foundation, Inc. A performing, literary and visual artist, she is also an artistic director, author, event manager, screenwriters, playwright, poet, talent scout and storyteller. In addition to working as a truancy coordinator for Lancaster ISD, she was the International Truancy President for the International Association for Truancy and Dropout Prevention. A child advocate, this identical twin about being THAT voice and being the CHANGE.

RONA GASSAWAY JACKSON

She and her sister, Dona, are the daughters and granddaughters of identical twins! A grandmother, like her sister, she is deeply grounded in her faith and family is definitely a priority! An educator, author, performer and writer, Rona’s creative juices are always flowing.

Over the decades, Rona has focused a lot of her attention on youth. She is about lifting as she climbs and educating the masses. Dallas’ own Rona is special in so many ways and if her intellect and heart were not enough, there is the beauty of her smile, which we’d like to say is like none other, but actually it is. It is like her beautiful sister, who when she looks at, is like looking in a mirror; so vibrant and endearing as well as captivating and encouraging.

ALISA SIMMONS

Born in Austin, TX, Alisa Simmons is a mother, entrepreneur, community activist and soon to be elected official, having just won a seat on the Tarrant County Commissioner’s Court.

The J. H. Reagan High School graduate received her degree in journalism from Texas Woman’s University and worked for KNOK, KHVN, KRLD, WFAA, and NBC5 in various positions. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, she served on the Arlington Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee, Chisholm Trail Chapter of the American Red Cross Board of Directors, YMCA Arlington Board of Directors. Alisa currently serves as President of the Arlington NAACP, First Vice President of Texas NAACP and a member of the ACLU of Texas Board of Directors.

LADEITRA ADKINS

LaDeitra Adkins is a family law practitioner with a heart for social justice and helping others. Like her grandmother, she has lived a life of service.

A graduate of Dallas’ Skyline High School, LaDeitra received a BS in Criminal Justice at Prairie View A&M, and her Juris Doctor degree from South Texas School of Law. LaDeitra is a past chair of the Juvenile Justice Committee and the 6A Grievance Committee. She founded Candidate Connection Group, a campaign consulting firm whose clients shared her values, her dedication to fairness, her respect for others and a respect for the rule of law while insisting on efficiency of the process. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority she is a mother, soccer coach and Girl Scout Troop leader.

VONDA BAILEY

Vonda Bailey is a native of Dallas, where she is the managing partner of the Law Office of Vonda Bailey, PLLC., providing legal assistance in family law. A member of the Lancaster Church of Christ. She is a

proud graduate of David W. Carter High School and received both her bachelor and masters degree from UTA. Vonda graduated in 2014 from the Thurgood Marshall School of Law. A definite community servant and leader, Vonda is dedicated to building her communities, one family at a time. Beyond Vonda’s leadership achievements, her family is the center of her life. Vonda is a wife and mother. And she is now JudgeElect!

HONORABLE KAREN BASS Congresswoman Karen Bass is a proud daughter of Los Angeles. She was raised with three brothers in the Venice/Fairfax area of Los Angeles. In 1990, in response to the crack-cocaine and gang violence crisis that was gripping Los Angeles, Karen founded the Community Coalition. She is a leading figure on foster care, founding the Los Angelesbased National Foster Youth Institute, which advocates for the more than 400,000 foster youth in America.Karen has represented Los Angeles in both Sacramento and Washington, DC for more than 14 years. A graduate of Hamilton High School, Cal State Dominguez Hills and the University of Southern California, she worked as a nurse, Physician Assistant, and clinical instructor at USC. And, she was just elected Mayor of Los Angeles!

SANDRA DORSEY MALONE

A graduate of Moore High School, Sandra attended Prairie View A&M College. She became a physical education teacher at Wallace High School in Abilene before moving to Dallas where she served as a teacher at Frazier and Bushman Elementary Schools. She also worked in several areas in DISD before being appointed Court Auditor by the Honorable Barefoot Sanders, Judge, U.S. District Court. A dedicated volunteer, Sandra is a member of The Links, Inc. and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. In 2006 she was inducted into the African American Education Archives and History Hall of Fame.

PAT MAYS

A real estate broker, Pat Mays is the owner of Pat Mays Realtors. Graduate of the University of North Texas, she graduated from Lincoln High School in Dallas. A long-time educator and advocate for children, Pat is a former principal in Dallas Independent School District. She served as an educator in the Garland and Dallas ISD. She is a veteran of 12 years in the classroom, assistant principal and 11 years as principal of Frederick Douglass and Leslie Stemmons elementary schools. Active in community and civic affairs, served as president of the Metroplex Association of Realtors. She is a servant leader and member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Pat is a wife, mother and grandmother.

HONORABLE MAVIS KNIGHT

The Honorable Mavis Knight has spent a lifetime contributing to education and her community. A graduate of North Carolina Central University, with BA and MA degrees in Psychology; this member of Links, Inc. has served on the board of directors of a number of organizations including Girl’s Inc. of Metropolitan Dallas; Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce; Dallas Women’s Foundation; Youth Services Advisory Board; the College of Education at The University of Texas at Austin; Jacob’s Ladder and Visiting Nurse Association of Texas; member of the Board of Directors for Education is Freedom. She was a 2011 inductee into the African American Educators Hall of Fame.

LEONDA KELLEY

Hailing from Dallas, Leonda Kelley is a graduate of Justin F. Kimball High School. She received a BS in Community Health at Southern New Hampshire University. She also studied at Dallas Baptist University and Austin Peay State University.

Leonda is the Sr. Program Director at Moorland Family YMCA at Oak Cliff YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas. She is an experienced Wellness Director with a demonstrated history of working in the health wellness and fitness industry.

HON. JOAN TARPLEY

The owner of Tarpley Dispute Resolutions, Judge Joan Tarpley hails from Dallas and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School. A graduate of Dillard University, she studied law at SMU after serving in the Peace Corps. Considered a legend, she is the first African American woman to practice law in Dallas County, first African American judge to serve as a County Court at Law Judge in Dallas and first African American Woman to be appointed as a District Judge in Dallas County. A member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, she is a past president of the Dallas Alumnae Chapter. Judge Tarpley is definitely one for the history books!

LATOYA HARDAWAY

A graduate of MacArthur High School, LaToya Hardaway studied Psychology at East Texas State University and she also attended the University of Dallas Graduate School of Management. Latoya is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. For almost 15 years she has been a marketing agent for Kauwuane Burton Photography. She has also worked as a journalist, with an emphasis on sports

HON. KATHLYN GILLIAM

Honorable Kathlyn Gilliam was the first African American female elected member of DISD Board of Trustees. Served 23 years and was elected President. Even before her tenure as a DISD trustee, she was a political activist, serving as the president of the thensegregated Dallas City Council PTA school board in the 1960s and as the secretary of the Texas Congress of Colored PTAs in the 1970s. She also was one of the many plaintiffs in a leading federal case to desegregate Dallas public schools and a founding member of the Political Congress of African-American Women. A founder of the Clean South Dallas/Fair Park, Inc., a school is named in her honor.

HON. DR. JANICE INGRAM

Dr. Janice Ingram served as a member of the DeSoto ISD Board for 12 years; six as President and two as Board Secretary. For two of those years, she was the only African American and female member.

Under her leadership, the largest bond program passed by the school or city ($116 million) enabled the District to charter the DeSoto ISD Education Foundation, and established High School, College and Career Academies. She is the V.P. of Operations at The Healthcare Rehab Group. Hailing from Denison, TX., she received her doctoral degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

JOWANDA JORDAN

Jowanda Jordan was the VOICE! She served the Dallas community as music educator, choir director and church musician at Greater Bethlehem Baptist Church and Bethany Baptist Church for more than 50 years. She taught all levels of music in DISD for 34 years. Her choirs at South Oak Cliff H.S. consistently earned excellent and superior ratings in local and UIL competitions. She became Coordinator of Fine Arts and Choir Director at Paul Quinn College and is Musical Director of the South Dallas Concert Choir. Hailing from Como, TX, she received a BS in Music from Bishop College and a Masters Degree from SMU

EVELYN DICKERSON

She’s the gift that keeps on giving! After a rich and rewarding career in the Dallas ISD where she designed and implemented a model early childhood education for three and four year olds at the Jimmie Tyler Brashear Early Childhood Center; Evelyn Dickerson continued her life of service. She ended up at Paul Quinn College where her presence was felt by everyone who entered the campus. She has volunteered in numerous youth serving organizations including the United Negro College Fund, “Build a Home Library Program.” She is the Community Relations Outreach Coordinator for Eddie Deen & Company Catering.